Rajpat by Tilottama Majumdar [Hardcover]

Purification by the Ganges

For ages, the Indian way of life, culture, and heritage have been transmitted through the sacred waters of the Ganges. Rudraani Ganga is eternally revered, worshipped, and symbolizes both creation and destruction. The holy water of the Ganges nourishes the land, and in the state of West Bengal, one of its most traditional districts, Murshidabad, stands as a testimony to this divine flow. The Ganges here flows towards the sea, and its many tributaries and branches spread throughout Murshidabad like veins in a body. They provide water, silt, fertility, and sustenance, ensuring crops thrive and life flourishes. Yet, these very rivers also bring destruction and death, as creation and annihilation are etched into their essence. Despite all, human civilization bows to them.

The river Ganga forms the backbone of this novel. Its tributaries, streams, and the cities and villages along their banks are encapsulated in this narrative. Walking through the paths of these towns and villages is Maina Vaishnabi. She loves deeply, in a boundless affection. With eyes that perceive the world's joys and sorrows, she sees the suffering of the people. Though devoted to Krishna's worship, the pious Maina Vaishnabi also observes the dehumanizing world of vice. In the ashram of Mahaprabhu Gopidas, under the guise of divine worship, human trafficking operates clandestinely. This discovery pains her deeply, leading her to rebel. Seeking a remedy, she hands over a pot full of fiery protest to Siddhartha.

Siddhartha Bandopadhyay, a young political activist, is just, compassionate, fearless, and deeply caring. His patriotism is the very essence of his life. The novel revolves around Siddhartha and Maina Vaishnabi, and through them, it narrates the life saga of Murshidabad—a rich tale steeped in geography, history, religion, culture, economics, and human relationships.